The body’s production of uric acid can be significantly decreased. That is good news for the over 2 million Americans suffering from gout. Gout is caused by the buildup of too much uric acid in the blood. It is a normal function of the body, however, to get rid of this uric acid accumulation, which causes pain, swelling and redness.
Diet and natural supplements have shown great promise in controlling gout. Gout, or crystal arthritis, typically affects the big toe, but can affect any of the major joints such as the ankle, knee, wrist, hand, elbow, or foot. Attacks are usually limited to one joint at a time and usually don't spread.
We produce uric acid naturally when our bodies break down waste products, or purines. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is filtered by our kidneys and excreted in urine. Suffers from gout have excessive levels of uric acid, which forms crystals and then accumulates in joints and tissues. These crystals irritate the joints which become tender and remarkably painful.
Common methods of controlling the pain associated with an onset of gout include both prescribed and over-the-counter pain relievers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) combat the inflamed join or tissue, but are only a temporary fix and cannot decrease the amount of uric acid in a person’s system, which is the cause of gout. Corticosteroids help relieve minor pain and inflammation, but are only a temporary remedy with serious side effects such as decreased bone density and a compromised immune system which lessens the body’s natural healing process and its ability to fight common infections.
Happily, there are alternatives to relieve and cure gout. Among the most effective – especially in older persons – is diet and natural supplements. A proper diet has been proven extremely effective at managing and preventing gout (read our favorite
HERE). And it does so without the disagreeable and unhealthy side effects mentioned above.
A diet designed to prevent gout would avoid foods high in purines. It would limit the consumption of some types of meats. It would allow the temperate consumption of other types of meat and cereals such as oatmeal, wheat bran, and wheat germ.
You can surprisingly fast relief from gout with your diet. The American Medical Association suggests a diet high in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. This ideal diet is low in protein and limits animal fats to less than 10% of your daily consumption. There are ample unrefined, tasty, and natural choices in the properly designed diet, including strawberries, tomatoes, and fruit juices. Your anti-gout diet and herbal regimen would include excellent sources of protein which do not cause or aggravate gout, such as poultry, soy, and certain types of nuts.
An effective diet plan combined with natural supplements can control gout without dependency upon drugs. By utilizing a natural approach, you will improve your overall health, avoid harmful side effects, and live free of gout and its discomforts.
|
